In a stunning turn of events, Nikola Jokic delivered a buzzer-beating 39-footer to cap a remarkable comeback for the Denver Nuggets, securing a 130-127 victory over the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Thursday night.
The Nuggets, trailing 123-105 with just 6:34 remaining, orchestrated an incredible 25-4 run to close the game. Aaron Gordon played a pivotal role, contributing nine of his 30 points in a crucial 13-0 run.
The game-winning sequence unfolded with the Nuggets down by three points and just 3.6 seconds left on the clock. Following a timeout in the backcourt, the inbound pass found Jokic near midcourt. Despite heavy pressure from Kevon Looney, the reigning NBA Finals MVP launched a high-arcing shot that banked in off the backboard as time expired.
Jokic finished the night with an impressive 34 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around skills. Jamal Murray added 25 points, while Peyton Watson contributed 19 for the Nuggets, marking their eighth win in the last nine games.
On the Warriors’ side, Stephen Curry led the way with 30 points, shooting 11-for-23 with five 3-pointers. Klay Thompson added 24 points, connecting on nine of 18 attempts with four treys. Despite a strong performance from beyond the arc, the Warriors couldn’t hold off the Nuggets’ late surge.
The Warriors, playing the front end of a back-to-back, will host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Nuggets return home to face the Orlando Magic. The thrilling victory adds another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between the last two NBA champions.
